Baxi, its partner Oxford United and UK suicide prevention initiative, Baton of Hope, recently joined together to host a day of training for Baxi staff and senior leaders at its Warwick headquarters.
Baxi is principal sponsor of Oxford United and the training forms part of one of the partnership’s key aims to raise awareness for the Club’s own suicide prevention and mental health initiative ‘Can We Talk?’.
The day of workshops was led by Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy and accredited trainers Ben Wilson and Dave Swann.
As the biggest killer of men in the UK under the age of 50 and women under 35, the three organisations’ collaboration aims to confront suicide head on and save lives. Key to this is challenging outdated perceptions, providing real resources, and encouraging men in particular to seek help when they need it.
Discussing his personal connection to the initiative, Paul Haynes, Baxi’s Product, Solutions and Marketing Director, said: “I lost someone close to me through suicide—a man who, like so many in our industry, seemed to carry the weight of the world in silence. The construction and heating sectors are filled with brilliant, hardworking men who often don’t feel able to talk about how they’re really feeling. It’s time that changes.
“By teaming up with Oxford United and Baton of Hope, we’re using the power of sport and community to break down the stigma and start vital conversations. It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about helping people feel seen, supported, and ultimately, saved.”
To find out more about Baton of Hope, visit www.batonofhopeuk.org
